During the past eight months or so I have been testing out long-life baits.

It has been very interesting to see how this new wave of baits help me catch our Aussie fish.

My first thoughts when it comes to bait are always that live is best, and with certain baits like prawns, nippers, pipies (and other shellfish), yabbies etc this is certainly true.

However often I have spent hours collecting prime baits only to find out that hordes of small fish are picking apart the baits before the big ones can get at it. In this case I always find that a big tough bait is the way to catch the bigger fish! Basically the pickers pick and pick away until a bigger fish is attracted and woofs down the lot.

A tough bait is also handy or when things like current, snags, or hard long casting removes a fresh soft bait off the hook. Tough baits are also easier for kids and new commers to put on the hook so that it stays on.

A New Zealand company realised the benefits of preserving and toughening bait and has taken the process a few steps further. It all starts with a fresh bait.

The oil and water are removed from the bait and then using a secret process only the oil plus a few preservers are put back. The result is a bait that is firm and moist rather than hard and dry.

At the end of the process the bait is presented in a vacuum sealed flat tray at around $6 retail per packet with a shelf life of 12 months.

Among other benefits, no refrigeration is needed and you only use what you need, the rest can be kept for re use minimising waste.

One of the things that first stood out to me was the consistency of the bait.